William Chester Hunter

William “Bill” Chester Hunter, Sr., 86 years old, of Kennesaw, GA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Bill was born October 3,1936 to Willene and Chester Hunter in Nashville, Georgia. Bill was raised on the family farm in Lakeland, GA where they grew tobacco and corn. Bill served in the US Navy 1954 to 1957. For two years, Bill was stationed in Yokohama as a communications technician where he decoded Morse Code communications. He enjoyed traveling in Japan and visiting the Shrines.

After service, Bill attended college on the G.I. Bill. The first two years was at South Georgia College and the last two years at Georgia State College, receiving a degree in Business Administration.

Bill’s business career spanned 40 years as a credit manager. After retiring from business, Bill was a substitute teacher for almost 20 years. He immensely enjoyed this time in life when he was with elementary and middle school students. This passion of working with students and youngsters was also fostered at Kennesaw United Methodist Church (UMC) where he worked with the youth as a VBS helper, Sunday School teacher, youth advisor, and going on trips with the church youth.

Being a life-long Methodist, Bill enjoyed his many years of membership at Kennesaw UMC.  He was an active member of the Happy Voyagers as they fellowshipped with each other.

Bill enjoyed playing tennis for most of his adult life until he was unable to navigate the court. Over these years, he played with many friends, and especially with brother, Jesse Carroll. In fact, he and Jesse Carroll were on a USTA team that went to state competitions in 2006 where the team came in 2nd place. Bill’s copyright tennis cap was a worn-out cap that had a wide piece of tape on the bill which said “Bill.” His brother tried to give him a new one, but Bill refused it, saying that was the one he wanted to wear!

Bill and Shirley shared a love of reading novels, watching movies, eating out and entertaining friends. The entertaining centered around playing canasta, sharing special desserts and some tasty libations prepared by Shirley. During these years, they would go to Destin, FL to enjoy vacations with the same friends.

Bill enjoyed attending family reunions in South Georgia. Always by Bill’s side, Shirley charmed everyone she encountered. All the good-looking clothes Bill wore were there because Shirley got them for him. Bill was the recipient of a vivacious, beautiful wife whoaccentuated Bill’s persona.

Over the years, Shirley opened the home to a babysitting business. Probably, over 500 babies and youngsters were under the loving care of Nonnie, as she was lovingly called by the children. In the background was Pops, as Bill was lovingly called, to give assistance when needed – he was rarely seen without a baby sitting on his lap. This was a great partnership for a loving and successful business. Several of the children were their grandchildren and nephew’s children. All the children were drawn to Pops’ gentle, kind, and loving demeanor. To this day they are remembered as Nonnie and Pops!

He was such a gift to everyone who knew him, his love and support for his loved ones was unparalleled. He could always be counted on to check up on his loved ones, always supporting their recent dream or goal; Bill was always everyone’s biggest cheerleader and could be found in the audience of many a dance recital, baseball games, or helping with homework.

Bill is survived by his son, William “Billy” C. (Clerc) Hunter, Jr; brother, Jesse Carroll (Debbie) Hunter; step-children Rick (Roxanne) Steely, Graham (Shannon) Buttrey, Daniel Earl Squires, Sucile “Suci” Elizabeth Squires; grandchildren, Nancy, Joshua, Chelsea, Elizabeth, Luke, Paul, Jack, Charlie; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Wyatt, Mason, Lucy, Artem, Emelynn, & Graham; and, sister-in-law, Patricia Hunter.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Hunter; brother, Franklin Hunter; step-son, Chuck Squires; parents, Willene and Chester Hunter; and, former wife and mother of Bill’s son, Dottie Touchstone.

The Memorial Service for William “Bill” Hunter, Sr. will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 4:00 pm at Kennesaw United Methodist Church, Kennesaw, GA. Visitation will be at 3:30 pm, with a small reception to follow (in church Narthex). In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Kennesaw United Methodist Church Youth Missions’ Fund will be appreciated. The address is KUMC, 1801 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144 (direct link for donations: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4E4/campaign/C-128H1).